7 Best Pregnancy And Baby Basics Your Local Experts Would Agree With!

Your baby shower is just around the corner, and you are already bogged down with a list of Dos and Don’ts for yourself and your baby in anticipation of your due date. The growing tummy, over-acting hormones, and mood swings only make things worse. The best thing to do in such a situation is to try and relax your mind and body, which will not only keep unnecessary stress at bay but will also help you think coherently. Now that you are relaxed, here are 7 pregnancy and baby basics that will keep you in good stead for that big day, and we are sure even your local experts will agree with it:

In This Article

1. Body Postures Help Ease Labor Pain

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The first thing to accept about labor is that pain is inevitable. But instead of being panicky about it, try to let go of your fear. Instead, focusing on the end result – seeing your baby – helps you overcome that fear by turning it into excitement. Check with your doctor and follow the standing, squatting, lying, and sitting postures with your husband or partner. These postures help release your mind and muscle tension. Follow the rhythm of your contractions when you go into labor. Remember, contractions come and go. So make sure you breathe deeply when they come.

2. Pack Three Bags For Your Due Date

Yes, you have heard that right. You may never know the amount of time you would end up spending in the labor room and hospital. So pack three bags – one that has your stuff, another that has all your newborn’s stuff, and a third that contains all your documentation required for your hospital stay as well as certain miscellaneous stuff like books and snacks to help your spouse relax post delivery.

3. Latch Well For A Painless Breastfeeding

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Your very first physical contact with your newborn will be breastfeeding. Despite all the knowledge you’ve gathered through books and classes, you’ll still find yourself grappling. Its alright if you don’t get it right in the first few attempts. You will eventually come to know the most comfortable position for latching. The technique is to ensure your baby’s chin and nose touch your breasts and your baby’s body is aligned in such a way that both your tummies touch each others’ and your baby’s shoulders are aligned straight.

4. Black Baby Poop

Don’t be alarmed when you see your baby’s diaper covered in black muck when he/she poops for the first time. Your baby’s first poop will be a variation of black or dark green for the first few days and is called meconium. The black or dark green color is because meconium consists of all the materials your baby ingested in the womb, including amniotic fluid.

5. Your Baby Doesn’t Need A Bath Daily

Once your baby is born, avoid going on a daily bathing spree. If at times you do feel your baby really needs some cleaning, go for a sponge bath or washcloth wiping. And never use soaps or fragrant baby wash products. These could harm your baby’s tender skin. Only after your doctor’s advise, bathe your baby. Until then, cleaning them thrice a week is fine.

6. Choose Natural Edible Oils For Massaging

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Babies love massages as it helps them relax and sleep well. So, when you start giving those body massages to your baby, opt for natural edible oils like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, etc, because mineral oil has a tendency to become hot due to friction. And the best part is, natural oils do not have harmful toxins and are safe if your baby accidentally puts his/her hands in mouth.

7. Don’t Fall For Fever Myths

A newborn’s temperature is always a tad higher than normal adults. Swaddling the baby may also make them seem warm to touch, so do not jump to the conclusion that they have a fever. However, in case your baby does have a fever, do not swaddle or cover him/her in heavy blankets hoping that sweating will bring down the fever. On the contrary, the fever will increase. Instead, dress your baby in light clothing, use a washcloth dipped in tepid water to bring down the temperature, and visit the doctor as soon as you can.

Keep these basics in mind and you should be ready to step out to bring your little baby into this world. Millions of women out there are doing it, and so can you!

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